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Catering · Chicago, IL

Food First Chicago

741 S Western Ave

Last inspected Apr 28, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Apr 28, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WASHING HANDS IN BETWEEN PERFORMING MULTIPLE TASKS. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCHING GLASSES, DRAINED THE THREE COMPARMENT SINK, PUT ON GLOVES AND THEN PREPARE FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROPERLY WASH HANDS AFTER ANY POSSIBLE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. AFTER NOTIFIED EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SLIGHT DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DISHWASHING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 28, 2026 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Apr 20, 2026

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 20, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

May 21, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 21, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 21, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AN APPX. 2" x 3" GAP IN THE LEFT CORNER OF THE FRONT ENTRY DOOR, ON THE FLOOR RIGHT BELOW THE BASEBOARD.MUST SEAL TO PREVENT THE PEST ENTRANCE.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 21, 2024 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Jun 3, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 3, 2024 · Original Source

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